I am starting to get my wish list together for Christmas and it includes a Polymer Clay kit from Emma Ralph and a PMC starter kit but I want to know where is the best place to get a PMC kit???I have also heard it called something else other than PMC so which is the best???

I have found a kit here

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but want to know if it contains everything I need or does someone know of a better one with more value for money etc????

Any advice appriciated

Hmm, just had another look at the link and they have changed the kit in the last few months as it used to contain the torch thingie (that's the technical name!!).

Just found this one, what do you think:

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Also, forgot to ask if anyone know of any good PMC books for beginners??

I met up with these ladies

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at Ally Pally at the Knitting and Stitching show - they've got starter kits, and books, and allsorts

Melanie B

Thanks for the replies

Just went on again and they have this one which looks good value, you get 50g with it for £66

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Hello Kelly,

The kit that Jelli mentioned, above, our Deluxe kit has a larger torch and we always recommend getting this kit over the pencil torch kit, as they are much easier to light and last longer.

However, we are waiting for a shipment of new

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to arrive, hopefully next week. (They are currently on a big ship, probably somewhere near Spain as we speak!)

However, while we are out of stock, if you mention UKBeaders upgrade when you order, I'll upgrade you to a deluxe kit free of charge, and ship it when the torches arrive.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Rob

Hi Rob

That's very kind of you, thanks. I have just been watching the 3 videos you guys created and they have got me very excited about PMC.

Can I ask, do you sell the badger balm? I saw some in the chemist and they had 3 different types...will any of them do or do I need the original?

We do sell it, it's just not on our new website yet. (EDIT: it is now!)

As far as I know there is no particular reason to use one badger balm over another other than the smell. We only stock the unscented version though.
However, to save money you can use a little olive oil which has the same effect.

I've read all the above posts on this thread. However, it is now November 2007 not 2006 and I'm in the same situation as Kelly.

OH has told me to go ahead and order a PMC starter kit for my Christmas prezzie. I like the look of this one.

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Is there anything experienced PMC addicts would add?
Products etc change and if there are any current comments/suggestions I'd love to hear.....

Sanding is essential for any metal clay. Don't think rough edges will melt, they'll just get harder, so some sanding sponges or papers is essential imo.
I know

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do the sponges if Argentice have stopped, but if you cant get any try some very fine grade nail files until you can.

You may also want to get some cutters, the Klay kutters at Argentice are very good as they release the clay easily by pressing the top.

You may also want to get some straws of different sizes and tooth picks for making holes etc.

If the kit doesn't come with a mat to roll the clay on try using a plastic paper protector, the kind you use for files.

I got the one from Argentice which I thought was great but I did a course at the PMC Studio and she said my brush was way too harsh for PMC. They have some great kits on their site also.

I also have a confession!!!! I got my kit for Christmas, went on a course in January and I have not used any of my PMC that I got last year!!!! For some reason, I just forget I have it even though it is sitting om my jewellery making desk!!!!!!!!!

That's a huge help.

Just thought I'd mention that the starter kit we have, includes a mesh for firing on a gas hob (or a camping gas stove if you don't have gas in your kitchen). I know a lot of people are uncomfortable with a torch - so this is a good alternative.

Petra

I was just looking through all your posts, and I am a little confused. This is actually the first time I hear about pmc. It sounds great. I would love to try it.
In the starter kits that you mentioned is a torch to heat the clay, but I went on some websites in the US to look for a starter kit and they say you have to use a kiln to heat the clay.
How do you know if you have the right temperature if you use a torch.

You may find this website and associated links useful.

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I'm sure that there are artists who prefer to use a kiln rather than a blow torch, or wire-mesh over a hob; if large quantities of finished items need to be fired it probably makes sense. However, as most people using PMC seem to be hobbyists I think it's fairly unlikely that a kiln is really necessary